For more than 40 years, Henry County 4-H has sold geraniums in anticipation of the annual Geranium Festival each May.

  However, due to COVID-19, this year’s Geranium Festival and the Geranium Sale have shaped up to look a little different.

  The Geranium Sale usually begins on April 1st and runs until the Geranium Festival, at which the geraniums are sold. However, the festival that was planned for May 16 has now been postponed to September 19.

  And, as geraniums are not in season during the fall, Henry County 4-H will not be able to sell geraniums at the festival.

  “That’s going to be a drawback for us, that they will have a Geranium Festival with no geraniums for sale,” said Susan Howington, Director of the Henry County Extension Services.

  The spring sale itself even experienced an unplanned interruption this year. 

  “Because of the coronavirus, we could only sell them on April 1st and then we had to shut it down,” said Howington.

  Despite the disruption in sales, however, requests for geraniums poured in. During the period of time that they were closed, Howington received over 32 calls from individuals interested in purchasing geraniums, whose names she then placed on a waiting list. 

  But, on Monday, May 4, the Henry County Extension Office was allowed to reopen and continue selling geraniums. 

  “Once they told us we could start selling the geraniums, we called everybody on that list and told them that we are open for business,” said Howington. “We have had a great response from the community.”

  To date, Henry County 4-H has sold close to 1,000 geraniums. They regularly sell around 1,400, and are on track to meet their goal. 

  The proceeds from the Geranium Sale benefit various programs like the 4-H Public Speaking Competition that takes place in January, summer camps, and other events that take place throughout the year. 

  “It’s a great way to support our organization to be able to help cut costs or allow for us to have events and programs for our young people at no cost or a low cost,” said Howington.

  In light of the many changes that have taken place this year surrounding the Geranium Sale, Howington would like to express her gratefulness for the support of the community. 

  “I would like to thank all the people that support us all throughout the year and keep coming back to support us,” said Howington. “We couldn’t do it without our people in the community supporting us.” 

  To ensure safety, Henry County Extension office employees are wearing masks and are implementing social distancing. Only one customer will be allowed in the office at a time. Customers can request curbside pickup by calling 770-288-8421.

  The geraniums are $8 for an eight-inch pot. The geraniums can be picked up Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Henry County Extension office at  97 Lake Dow Road in McDonough. For more information, call 770-288-8421.